Our Long Cubs Nightmare Is Over! Cubs Sweep Astros, Win Three Straight
by Al Yellon on Jul 24, 2011 6:00 PM CDT
in Chicago Cubs Recaps
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PrintIt took 102 games -- three fewer than any Cubs team had gone in a season without this accomplishment (done in 1966) -- but the Chicago Cubs, after failing nine times after two straight victories, finally have won three in a row during the 2011 season.
The Houston Astros were the victim of the Cubs' three-game streak, also their first three-game sweep of the year (they did sweep a two-game set from the Marlins in Miami in May). The 5-4, 10-inning Cubs win over Houston was not the type of game you show young players and say "Play this way"; quite the opposite, in fact. But, a win is a win, and now the three-game-streak monkey is off the Cubs' back. That's a small simian compared to some, but in this drudge of a season, we Cubs fans -- and I'm sure the players -- will take it. The win gave the Cubs a 5-5 homestand and a winning record (5-4) over the Astros so far this season.
Before I recap this game -- and tell you about some rumors I've heard -- I wanted to mention, and unfortunately I don't have any photos of this so you'll just have to believe me: just after it stopped raining, and right after the gates opened, Ryan Dempster and Sean Marshall were fooling around in left field throwing a football around. Marshall, in particular, has excellent form and put some really nice spirals on the ball. With his height he'd probably make a good quarterback. Dempster looked good in the WR role. Just having fun, I suppose -- and why not, in a season that's pretty much a lost cause. After the rain passed, the sun came out and it actually got hot and sticky for a while. In fact, "hot and sticky" describes this mess of a game pretty well.
Matt Garza had his fourth straight excellent outing at Wrigley Field, dating back to the July 2 game vs. the White Sox (his one road start in that time, at Washington, I won't mention). In those four starts he's now thrown 32 innings and allowed four earned runs for a 1.13 ERA. He's got a loss and three no-decisions to show for that performance; in that time he's issued 11 walks, struck out 27 and allowed just one home run -- today, in the first inning, to Clint Barmes, who (perhaps not coincidentally) was the only member of the current Astros team to have homered off him in the past. Garza also got his first MLB RBI today, on a nicely placed single down the right field line in the Cubs' three-run second inning.
After that, Garza settled down and gave up just one more run and left with a 3-2 lead, which Jeff Samardzija promptly coughed up by allowing a walk, followed by a home run to Carlos Lee. This raises the question: where was Kerry Wood in that eighth inning? That's supposed to be Wood's role, eighth-inning setup, but Wood has not pitched in that role since before the All-Star break (July 9 at Pittsburgh), and hasn't thrown at all since Monday night against the Phillies. He didn't even get off his bullpen chair today. Granted, he has had some bad outings in recent days -- has Mike Quade lost confidence in him?
The Cubs came back and tied the game on three singles in the eighth, but could score no further despite having the go-ahead run on second base with nobody out. A failed sacrifice by Darwin Barney -- seriously, he has to get that done -- a fly out and a strikeout ended that rally. The Cubs also failed to score in the ninth, as did the Astros off Carlos Marmol; Marmol was a bit shaky but got out of the inning striking out Hunter Pence with the lead run on third base and one out, then getting Lee to fly to center.
John Grabow got into trouble in the 10th, but got out of it with a nice double play ball and that set up the winning rally.
As befits a game between two bad teams, two good outfielders made a ridiculously bad play to set up the inning. Marlon Byrd's fly ball, if you were following Pence and Michael Bourn running after it, looked like it was going to split them in right-center field. Instead, it landed about 40 feet to Pence's right -- looked like both outfielders lost it in the sun and had absolutely no idea where it was. Byrd wound up with a triple. After Geovany Soto was called out on strikes, Tony Campana was intentionally walked.
Think about that. Campana, who has no power and rarely walks (just four walks in 87 PA before today), took an IBB. It was the first of his career. It may very well be the last. He advanced to second on defensive indifference -- it could have been ruled a stolen base, but was recorded as DI because the Astros weren't holding him -- which led to another intentional walk, to Barney.
That made four IBB's in the game, which makes this only the fifth major league game all year with four or more intentional passes. MLB averages about five games a year with four or more IBB's, so that makes this wacky game even more unusual. I figured a walkoff wild pitch, balk or walk was coming, but with a 3-2 count, pinch-hitter Jeff Baker lined a single to left to win it.
The team celebrated as if they'd won the division, or something more important than three games won in a row. Pat Hughes' radio call made it sound momentous. Maybe it was. I'll close with this: I cannot, as usual, reveal sources, nor specifics. However, things I heard today lead me to believe that the Cubs will make at least one significant move before next Sunday's trading deadline, and maybe more. You have probably read the speculation about Kosuke Fukudome possibly going to the Indians; that's the one thing I can tell you I also heard. There are other rumors that sound like they very well could happen. Feel free to speculate -- I won't confirm anything, other than it appears to me that the team is ready to make moves. Should be an interesting week.
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I hope one of those moves include Soriano.
But I highly doubt it.
'Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him up.'
Well, yes it is.
But I have been told things in confidence and I won’t break that confidence.
Just know that it appears some big moves are coming. I, too, hope that turns out to be true.
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Hopefully whoever the Cubs get back will have some value.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
Agreed, although...
… there would be value in the changes alone.
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Hopefully.
Salary dumps aren’t going to get anyone excited. But that might be all that we can realistically hope for.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
Nevertheless
… if that’s all it is, some younger players from the system could get playing time, which would at least give a different look to the team.
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As long as it's the same kids from a month ago...terrible
The only guys i wanna take a look at our Brett Jackson, Flaherty, and Lahair.
LaHair is not a "kid".
He’s 28 and not a prospect. Kind of Micah Hoffpauir 2.0. No thanks.
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Give him a shot...
he’s earned it. Doesn’t mean it has to be more than an audition for his upcoming tour of Japan.
They have to give Colvin at-bats. They just can’t give up on him.
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Just North of Wrigley Field
by jameslcrockett on Jul 24, 2011 6:48 PM CDT up reply actions
Agreed on Colvin.
Giving LaHair major league at-bats is a waste of time. He’s Triple-A roster filler.
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I understand that more than anyone here...
I’ve been watching him fill AAA rosters since he played for Tacoma (and watched him when he was even further down in the minors with the Mariners). But since the Cubs won’t have any great options for a 1B in September, it wouldn’t be a bad thing to reward him with a month in the big leagues. It’s a pretty common practice, actually.
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 24, 2011 6:54 PM CDT up reply actions
Maybe as a reward
a la Bobby Scales. But that would be about it.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 24, 2011 6:55 PM CDT up reply actions
Another team?
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 24, 2011 6:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Well, that's a good point
I thought he’d be trade bait right about now. But he might end up staying.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 24, 2011 6:58 PM CDT up reply actions
My guess is that Pena's streakiness ...
and rather odd numbers combined with his $5 million due after the season hurt his value.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Just because the Cubs did it...
I don’t think a lot of teams really are looking at him as $5m + $5m. The Cubs won’t be able to trade him as having paid a pro-rated portion of just the $5m. So, any team that trades for him won’t be on the hook for all of that $5m payment.
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 24, 2011 7:03 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm ok with that...
haven’t heard that any of them are really options at 1B though, and they need to go play their normal positions.
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 24, 2011 6:58 PM CDT up reply actions
The thing with Flaherty is that he doesn't have a normal position.
he can play anywhere in the infield as well as corner OF. I’m just concerned with getting him ABs, especialy if we keep Aramis and at least two of Soriano/Byrd/Grabow. That would only leave playing time at one OF spot (which may very well be taken by Jackson), and at first. Finding time for Lemahieu at 2B/3B is gonna be hard enough, add in Flaherty and it becomes a mess. Of course he’s not a long term solution at 1B, but if that’s the only way to work his bat into the lineup in this lost season, then I’d really like to see it happen.
You won't get me to say otherwise...
but I suspect he’ll play much more at 3B and 2B on a hypothetical contending Cubs team, so I’d like to see a lot of him there. They can play him at 1B in the AFL or something.
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 24, 2011 7:08 PM CDT up reply actions
I just really don't see them playing Flaherty at third or second this year.
I doubt Quade is gonna bench Barney or Ramirez.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
Agreed, he'll never play much 1B on a contender.
It’s just that 2B/3B is going to be such a mess in September with Barney, Lemahieu, and Ramirez. As much as I want to see Flaherty play 3B and 2B, it’s just so crowded there and first may be the only opening. Getting his bat in the lineup somehow should be a big priority in September.
It's all a mess.
All of it. Too many players, who aren’t superstar level guys, and you’re trying to play that game where guys grab a bat until the last one gets the knob. If we knew they’d all produce at the same level, we could just throw them in the Thunderdome and see who comes out. It’s a good problem to have… kinda.
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 24, 2011 7:14 PM CDT up reply actions
But if they can get real value for Pena, who else gets those ABs?
There aren’t a lot of options – LaHair is on a short list.
Fine, give Colvin at-bats
LaHair? No thanks.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 24, 2011 6:52 PM CDT up reply actions
Colvin has 5 walks in
195 PAs in the minors this season. He doesn’t walk and he strikes out a lot.
"Giggs gets past Viera, past Dixon, who comes back at him, it's a wonderful run from GIGGS!!!" - Martin Tyler
"Are you out of your fucking mind? You think I'm just going to rape you on the off chance that hopefully you're into that shit?" - Louis CK
Nucks Misconduct's Prodigal Son, Chief Curmudgeon, and Chief Hunk.
by Section 312 on Jul 25, 2011 1:58 AM CDT up reply actions
His AAA numbers overall don't inspire much confidence.
Even the BA is down recently.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
It probably will be.
DeWitt, Colvin, Montanez, Campana…
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
Why LaHair?
You’d rather see him over Lemahieu?
by Dcr18 on Jul 24, 2011 6:49 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I like LeMahieu.
If he could develop some power, he could be a good major league 2B.
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You really don't need power to play 2nd base.
Not everyone is Sandberg.
Everything you said is true...
but that doesn’t mean that’s what Al was saying. Any player would be more productive if they developed power, regardless of their position.
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 24, 2011 7:38 PM CDT up reply actions
Surprisingly enough no
I prefer Barney to LeMahieu
by Mulhollandmania on Jul 25, 2011 6:34 PM CDT up reply actions
Eh, I'd argue he's at least Hoffpauir's equal
Which still isn’t good, but I wouldn’t say poor mans. They have very similar career lines.
That being the case...
… LaHair really can’t help a major league team.
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Not a good one...or a decent one even.
I agree with that.
That sounds like Soriano is definitely out
He’s the only one that I feel like a salary dump would be joyous. But I know you can’t say, we shall see.
We'll all miss you Ron.
I really like Kosuke's defense - I'd miss him if he goes.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
What's a secret between 8,000+ friends?
"Baseball is almost the only orderly thing in a very unorderly world. If you get three strikes, even the best lawyer in the world can't get you off." ~ Bill Veeck
by Musicdude10 on Jul 24, 2011 7:00 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Understood, you have to honor your source
And I’m assuming your source was very confident in this info? I’m very excited now.
We'll all miss you Ron.
This is the exact same stuff you rush in to say "pure speculation" when Rosenthal writes it.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Jul 24, 2011 8:41 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't really think he's saying anything differently.
It is pure speculation to us, that doesn’t mean anything good or bad. He trusts his source because he can verify it, he doesn’t trust Rosenthal’s source because he can’t and Rosenthal has had some sketchy sources in the past.
If you don’t want to believe it, that’s totally at your discretion. To expect Al not to offer information he’s heard is kind of ridiculous, considering it’s his blog.
Al is not preaching, “my source is the whole truth and nothing but the truth, don’t listen to anyone but me.” He’s offering additional resources – if you don’t want to use them, simply dont.
by bdlugz on Jul 25, 2011 9:19 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I hope they have a truck big enough for the move... ;-)
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Honestly didn't think I'd see a three game win streak this year
Thankfully the worst team in baseball came along and helped change all that.
"It's been my policy to view the Internet not as an 'information highway,' but as an electronic asylum filled with babbling loonies." - Mike Royko
What a relief.
We'll miss you Big Boy. #10 for Hall of Fame.
by mrcubsfan on Jul 24, 2011 6:10 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
No.
Cubs won six in a row last September — all on the road.
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What does "W" mean?
I’ve forgotten.
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
State high point count: 4/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 24, 2011 7:08 PM CDT up reply actions
Wabbit.
Baseball is pitching, hitting, baserunning and defense.
by daver on Jul 24, 2011 7:24 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Oh, you wascawy wabbit!
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
State high point count: 4/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 24, 2011 7:39 PM CDT up reply actions
Elmer, behave yourself...
When posting at this bwog, pwease fowwow this one simpwe wuwe: Befowe hitting “post” to post youw wemawks, ask youwsewf: “Wouwd I be embawwassed to say this in fwont of stwangews who wewe physicawwy pwesent in the woom wif me and couwd wespond to my face?” If the answew is “yes,” then don’t post. BCB encouwages and wewcomes aww opinions, no mattew how stwong; howevew, pewsonaw attacks, vuwgawity, and othew unciviwized fowms of expwession awe not wewcome.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
A little late to this
but my streak of wins is still alive. My wife, good buddy, and myself need season tickets. Anyway, major props to Carol Z. with the Wrigley Field staff for seeing that my wife and I were suffering and taking us to the bleachers drunk tank, which was also their cooling station. They gave us ice cold towels, Gatorade, and let us sit in there for a couple innings. Without that, we would really be hurting.
www.facebook.com/craighudak
by Craig in South Bend on Jul 25, 2011 10:16 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Ah crap, failed with this
stupid mobile posting.
www.facebook.com/craighudak
by Craig in South Bend on Jul 25, 2011 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions
I actually watched my first Cubs game of the year today...
… and still didn’t get through the whole thing. That’s how discouraged I am about the direction of the organization. I’ve been watching and listening to the Reds games down here in So. Central Indiana. I root for whoever they’re playing. But they were smart — they went out and hired Walt Jocketty. (Of course, they also hired Dusty, but the GM is a heck a lot more important than the manager.)
Here’s what’ll get me back into the Cubs. An announcement this week that new Hall of Famer Pat Gillick will become president and oversee a two or three year transition that restructures the entire operation.
We have to demand more!
by copingwiththecubs on Jul 24, 2011 6:10 PM CDT reply actions
That won't happen this week, if it does.
Things like that happen in the offseason. So I guess you won’t be back into the Cubs.
Asking for such a thing “this week” is completely unrealistic.
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Well, to be more precise...
… I’ll accept it at any time before the GM meetings in December. And it doesn’t have to be Gillick — it can be any well-respected baseball person who can sweep out the old and bring in the new. Another Dallas Green, as it were. I want to come back!
We have to demand more!
by copingwiththecubs on Jul 24, 2011 6:21 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't think it's that unreasonable.
Kenney doesn’t really have that much impact on the running of the team going forward. Now’s the perfect time to do it (if they’re going to do it), with Gillick in the news because of his Hall of Fame induction.
It’s really weird to me though… I would have thought he’d go back to one of his former teams (all who could use his services at the moment and are much closer than the Cubs). It’s not like he needs to legacy shop… He’s already in the freakin’ Hall of Fame!
Obviously, the money would probably be bigger with the Cubs, and it’s a much greater challenge, but if he helped Toronto, Baltimore, Philadelphia or Seattle build into a World Series winner, that would still be big enough to add a couple lines to his Hall of Fame plaque.
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 24, 2011 6:46 PM CDT up reply actions
Agreed with your reasoning...
… just not the timeline.
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I don't see an issue with the timeline.
Let him come in and evaluate.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
Might be too late.
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 24, 2011 6:54 PM CDT up reply actions
No...
I’m saying it might be too late to attain Gillick’s services if they wait until the offseason. I’m thinking Baltimore and Seattle specifically.
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 24, 2011 6:59 PM CDT up reply actions
Gillick has a job this season, we can't just steal him away.
It’s going to be this offseason or never.
I don't know if THAT's true.
But I doubt the Cubs would bring anybody in before the season ends.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I assume Gillick is looking for one last contract before he retires.
If it’s not with the Cubs, it will be somewhere else, and I doubt the Cubs will have a chance after this offseason to hire Gillick.
When I said it’s now or never I meant simply for Gillick, not for someone like him in the future.
I'm sorry Al, but that might have been the dumbest response possible
So….because it’s been 103 years, we should waste more time?
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Jul 24, 2011 8:45 PM CDT up reply actions
Are we assuming Gillick would replace Kenney
Or that he would take over the President of Baseball Ops position that doesn’t currently exist?
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
If it's the new position and he's willing to take it now, then they should be getting his office ready.
He should come in and evaluate. I see no harm in doing so. It would be fairly practical.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
Why would the offseason be a better time?
To come in and evaluate? Why would you wait?
I DOUBT it will happen before the end of the season, I don’t think it’s actually SMART to do it that way
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Jul 24, 2011 8:44 PM CDT up reply actions
He's doing his evaluating quietly and behind closed doors - as it should be.
There is nothing saying that the evaluations have not already begun, however there is a 0% chance anything is formally announced until the offseason, which is the ONLY smart play here. Announcing a new position, or replacing the president will only cause issues in a season that already has enough to worry about.
Also, announcing Gillick during the season would be impossible, as he is on the Phillies payroll this year. Try explaining that one to Selig.
In the offseason, he should be making moves with the front office staff, not evaluating
Now would be the time for evaluation – he could even evaluate Hendrys trade deadling performance.
I hadn't thought about it until just now...
but the radio shows are all abuzz here on the thought that Gillick, who lives in Seattle, might go to the Cubs, or anywhere, and not go to the Mariners. I like the timing right now, because I don’t want to give him the option of going anywhere else.
I really want Hendry to announce he’ll resign at the end of the year and all prospective GM candidates will know the spot is available. Time, as always, is a wastin’.
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 24, 2011 6:50 PM CDT up reply actions
As an old retired fart (ORF)...
…it would be a mistake to hire an old retired fart GM/Pres. For the same reasons y’all want to see young energetic players, the new front office should be young and dynamic as well.
I enjoy this website because it's so interesting to see folks pole vaulting over mouse turds.
Gillick is different...
he’s taken time off, and he has more energy than men half his age. There’s a reason he’s succeeded everywhere he’s went.
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 24, 2011 9:04 PM CDT up reply actions
Gillick isn't going to have to take ground balls.
You don’t need a front office that can run 10 miles. You need a front office that is smart, and wants to win.
Gillick would be a huge get
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Jul 24, 2011 9:05 PM CDT up reply actions
Indeed.
If Gillick were hired, I’d give Tom Ricketts a high five.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
gillick apparently thinks highly of hendry
and thinks injuries are why this team sucks
Blake "The Franchise" DeWitt will lead us to the promised land
by jesus christos on Jul 24, 2011 9:09 PM CDT up reply actions
break out the bubbly!
Blake "The Franchise" DeWitt will lead us to the promised land
by jesus christos on Jul 24, 2011 6:10 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
this deserves a rec'd cause you said bubbly and I like that word!
17'$ h4pp3n1n9!?!?!?
by lexmarklover on Jul 24, 2011 7:26 PM CDT up reply actions
Minor correction
The Cubs had the go-ahead run on second with nobody out in the eighth after tying the game.
"You know, you should be a lot more careful crossing the street like that, otherwise you could die - if that bothers you."
Nothing about Campy's boot in LF that would've made Sori proud?
Let’s shatter the glass ceiling and go to 13
And the bullpen guys not moving an inch...
…until the ball was tangled up beneath their chairs.
Baseball is pitching, hitting, baserunning and defense.
by daver on Jul 24, 2011 6:22 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Yeah. Not what you want to see.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Maybe I'm crazy
But the Cubs are only 11.5 back. Nobody is running away with this division. I’m not sure who we all play yet, but if we could somehow put a 8-10 game win streak together, we could be sniffing the division leaders. Now, is this team even capable or motivated to do that, thats the big question.
In my lifetime please!
You are crazy
Although Jim will probably think the same thing making sure we don’t trade for young players.
by baseballguru589 on Jul 24, 2011 6:19 PM CDT up reply actions
just me or does someone say this every time the cubs win?
Blake "The Franchise" DeWitt will lead us to the promised land
by jesus christos on Jul 24, 2011 6:20 PM CDT up reply actions
Wow.
You’re even more optimistic than I am.
I will say that the Cubs will have something to say about the NL Central race, one way or another, over the next 10 days. Should be interesting.
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I'll go along with that
The Cubs won’t contend for the title, IMHO, but they might have the power of the kingmaker.
It’ll be interesting to see what deals are made. Sounds like Fukudome might be as good as gone. There are two-three other players I can envision following him out the door.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 24, 2011 6:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Really, in your honest opinion the Cubs won't contend for the title huh?
what on earth gave you that idea?
"It's been my policy to view the Internet not as an 'information highway,' but as an electronic asylum filled with babbling loonies." - Mike Royko
Really went out on the limb for that one.
"It's been my policy to view the Internet not as an 'information highway,' but as an electronic asylum filled with babbling loonies." - Mike Royko
He's turning over a new leaf.
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Just North of Wrigley Field
by jameslcrockett on Jul 24, 2011 6:39 PM CDT up reply actions
Well, you're the one
who even brought up the possibility.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 24, 2011 6:47 PM CDT up reply actions
Everything needs to fall into place, most importantly
relief pitching. Also Quade needs to get his head out of his ass. Demps got the first game against the Brewers, and depending on how the weather is in Mil we’ll be talking about 4 games in a row. One thing that sucks about the division the next couple of days is that St. Louis has to play Houston.
by alabamacubbie on Jul 24, 2011 10:24 PM CDT up reply actions
My guess is that after 3 games against the 'Stros at home...
more than likely they turn back into a pumpkin on the road. An over-ripe, easy to hit pumpkin with bad fielding, pitching and D. But I’ve been wrong before and perhaps will prove to be again.
Of course fielding and D are the sae thing...
I was pointing to a Vitamin D deficiency, team-wide, that’s the hidden malaise affecting this team. History will bear me out. There boys need more MILK!
The Ricketts' decision to replace whole with skim...
..proved a fatal flaw in the 2011 game plan.
Baseball is pitching, hitting, baserunning and defense.
by daver on Jul 24, 2011 6:54 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I know its a huuuuuuge stretch to think of our beloved Cubbies actually clawing back in it
But there’s no pressure. If Quade can bottle up that 24-13 run at the end of ’10 and feed it to the boys, who knows?! And to answer my own original question: I am probably a bit crazy.
In my lifetime please!
You're a bit crazy.
Sorry, but this team just doesn’t have the talent — and it looks like it could get less talented (in the short term) this week.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I will say that...
… the Cubs have played well in Milwaukee in the past. Get good starting pitching and at least the Cubs could make the games competitive.
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Here is a scary little tidbit.
Since June 26 the Cubs are 11-14 and have GAINED 1/2 game on the division lead. That is very sad but shows that we really don’t have that far to go to at least get back into contention. The willingness to sign draft picks that were thought to be unsignable has shown me that Riicketts is looking long term and not for a quick fix.
Here is a scary tidbit
since the all star break the starters have a 1.32 era in 10 games. And we are only 5-5.
What’s sad is that they should be a .500 team and would be in the thick of the race if they were.
by Been there Done that on Jul 24, 2011 9:16 PM CDT up reply actions
That is what many thought would happen.
Too many things had to go right and once Wells and Cashner went down so did the season. The only thing that did go right is that nobody ran away in the division but that matters little now. I think the worst thing that could happen is the Cubs do go on a run, get closer to .500 and within shouting distance of the the race leading Ricketts to say, “see, it was only the injuries.” The best thing that could happen is that we play no better than .450 ball the rest of the way, give some of the kids a look in September (or sooner) and see what they can do.
If it wasn't for the big 6 game losing streak
or however many it was the Cubs would be in this thing. Maybe St. Louis or Milwaukee can catch the bug.
by alabamacubbie on Jul 24, 2011 10:27 PM CDT up reply actions
So are you doing shots of the blue stuff...
…or are you just drinking it straight out of the bottle?
Baseball is pitching, hitting, baserunning and defense.
by daver on Jul 24, 2011 6:29 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Straight smurf blood, baby!
"Wait, are you saying I'm a sunshine-pumping, koolaid-drinking, Soriano-loving, rainbow-rising, unicorn-riding, double-clutching, Sweet Lou-backing, Hendry-supporting, hey hey whaddya saying, Cubs are going all the waying, glass is overflowing, Rothschild is all-knowing, Cubs fan? - ballhawk
You're crazy...
If the Cubs were 11.5 back and in 2nd place, maybe they’d have a VERY long shot at getting back into it. But there are four teams ahead of us. There’s virtually zero chance of them getting back in… as much as it sucks to say it, it’s true.
The division does look real weak
The 1st place teams are on a pace to win 85 wins. It won’t happen but the Cubs would have to go 43-17 the rest of the way for any chance.
Which is the frustrating thing
Play even at .500 right now and they’d be in it.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 24, 2011 6:52 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah.
I thought this could be a .500 team — and you’re right, they’d be in it at .500.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
Right. But it's not like this is an underachieving team that hasn't played .500.
Yes, there have been injuries. But I don’t think this team was ever good enough to play .500 unless EVERYTHING went well — and that never happens to any team.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I wasn't anticipating the starting pitching
being so weak (and injured) right out of the box.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 24, 2011 6:57 PM CDT up reply actions
Me either.
I really expected Wells to have a big year, and I didn’t think Dempster would start off so badly.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I was more interested to see Cashner ...
but I didn’t think he’d be awesome. He really wasn’t that great in Mesa.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I wasn't too concerned about his ST
He was still working on stretching out his arm, and you can’t put too much stock in March performances anyways (like Randy’s this year). At the very least I think he would have been above average for a fifth starter, but with his stuff he’s capable of big things as a starting pitcher.
He gave us enough of a glimpse in that first start
to think he might have worked out well. Oh, well.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 24, 2011 7:10 PM CDT up reply actions
He was starting to keep the ball down
which i liked
Fielding, Base running, and Pitching is way worse than i thought it would be
If those were a little better with better health i could see this team being in the race.
Also the terrible 4/5 starters screwd this tea,
I could see this team going .500 the rest of the way
which is why picked 70-74 wins in the poll
Absolutely.
Which I think is pretty damning.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
The most sorry fact
Is that the Central has 2 of the 3 worst teams in MLB and yet the Pirates are only at .525 and leading the division. The Central is just awful this year.
I may be optimistic,
But I think this is a stretch.
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
State high point count: 4/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 24, 2011 7:09 PM CDT up reply actions
It took us until the end of July to win 3 in a row.
We finally do that, and suddenly you think they can contend…….
I don’t even know what to say.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Jul 24, 2011 8:47 PM CDT up reply actions
I like the way you dream, I'm on board...
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Now that the Cubs have won three in a row...
isn’t it almost CERTAIN Hendry (on orders from Tom Ricketts) will be aggressive BUYERS at the deadline? I mean, the injuries have been survived so we’re right back in this! Whew!! And to think we were ready to back the truck up! That was CLOSE!
No...wait...KoolAid wearing off...
I’ve regained consciousness.
nooooooooooooooooooooo you did it first!!!!!!
17'$ h4pp3n1n9!?!?!?
by lexmarklover on Jul 24, 2011 7:25 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah man!!!
"Wait, are you saying I'm a sunshine-pumping, koolaid-drinking, Soriano-loving, rainbow-rising, unicorn-riding, double-clutching, Sweet Lou-backing, Hendry-supporting, hey hey whaddya saying, Cubs are going all the waying, glass is overflowing, Rothschild is all-knowing, Cubs fan? - ballhawk
posted this on friday after the first win...
i had this thought but methinks I might jinx it if I share it…..so I’ll wait until Sunday…..
I thought to myself if there’s ever a chance to get the first three game winning streak…it probably be against the Astros….
Idc though….wins are wins, the Astros are still a MLB team last i checked….and it’s a little refreshing to know that we at least, aren’t the worst team in baseball….
Two Words: Salty Saltwell
Moving on up
The Cubs are no longer have the second worst W/L record in MLB. Baltimore now occupies that spot with a .408 winning percentage while the Cubs are at .412!
Another interesting note
The Cubs are now just 1.5 games behind the Mariners, who less than 3 weeks ago were a .500 team!
Harry Caray: Marshall is going back to LA to get cocaine for his injured foot.
Steve Stone: Harry, that’s Novocaine.
by Julio Zuleta's Voodoo on Jul 24, 2011 6:39 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
There's no way...
the Mariners finish with a better record than the Cubs or Orioles… especially after they shut down Pineda.
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 24, 2011 6:41 PM CDT up reply actions
The Mariners have a franchise-record 15-game losing streak.
Which is something this team hasn’t managed.
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
State high point count: 4/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 24, 2011 8:13 PM CDT up reply actions
And that's with a completely healthy Felix Hernandez and Michael Pineda.
It’s incredible. Even historically poor offense doesn’t explain it.
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 24, 2011 8:36 PM CDT up reply actions
Even worse...
Yes, they were in contention at the start… and most of these losses have come in their division.
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 24, 2011 8:37 PM CDT up reply actions
rangers managed to shut them out for 20+ innings
Blake "The Franchise" DeWitt will lead us to the promised land
by jesus christos on Jul 24, 2011 8:38 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah...
I’m not going to admit how much money I actually paid to watch some of those innings.
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 24, 2011 8:46 PM CDT up reply actions
And watch out...
the Mariners are coming up on everybody’s backsides. 15 in a row… and their schedule stays really, really bad for the next two months.
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 24, 2011 6:40 PM CDT up reply actions
The streak could easily reach 18
… they next have to face the Yankees in New York.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
They might not win another game...
until they face Oakland at home after the trade deadline.
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 24, 2011 6:51 PM CDT up reply actions
So that would be 21 straight.
That would be the longest losing streak in 50 years, and only two short of the post-1900 record (1961 Phillies lost 23 in a row).
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
Yeah...
Tampa Bay comes here after the Yankees (though Seattle did play them well last time they visited the PNW).
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 24, 2011 6:55 PM CDT up reply actions
The Mariners are suffering the Milton Bradley effect.
Jack Brickhouse: "Hey! Hey!" Harry Caray: "Holy Cow!"
Vince Lloyd: "The Chicago Cubs are on the Air!" Len Kasper: "Oh Baby!!!!"
Ron Santo: "YES!" "All Right! Let's do it!" "Ohhh Nooooo!" "Gee Whiz! Come on!" AND... "This Is The Year!"
by #1 iowan cubs fan on Jul 24, 2011 7:00 PM CDT up reply actions
I wish it was just that.
The Rangers got a lot better when they didn’t bring them back.
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 24, 2011 7:03 PM CDT up reply actions
it helped that they finally built a non-crappy pitching staff
Blake "The Franchise" DeWitt will lead us to the promised land
by jesus christos on Jul 24, 2011 7:11 PM CDT up reply actions
The Teixiera trade helped a lot too.
It’s amazing what they’ve done down there while they fought through bankruptcy. Good scouting, good trading, good signing. They’ve basically done everything right, as long as you didn’t pay any attention to who owns them (past tense, obv).
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 24, 2011 7:15 PM CDT up reply actions
It's sort of ironic, that two teams who apparently hired their managers
on the strength of strong finishes to 2010 are two of the worst teams in the majors.
Let that be a lesson to us all.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Jul 24, 2011 8:50 PM CDT up reply actions
Baltimore didn't hire Showalter because of a strong finish.
They hired him, and then he led them to a strong finish.
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 24, 2011 8:54 PM CDT up reply actions
You're right. I originally thought he was interim
but I remember now that he was brought in with the plan of managing this year.
So it is really just irony
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Jul 24, 2011 8:58 PM CDT up reply actions
They're not unhappy with the job he's done.
Can’t fault him with having to compete in the toughest division in pro sports with little more than a pea shooter up against howitzers.
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 24, 2011 9:03 PM CDT up reply actions
That's why I said it's just irony
Two of the worst teams in the league this year, both finished very strong at the end of last year, with new managers
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Jul 24, 2011 9:04 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm not holding out hope that he'll be traded ...
but a Marlon Byrd trade would be the most interesting (other than Soriano, whom I don’t see being dealt). If Byrd is traded, it signals that the Cubs are very high on some combo of Jackson/Colvin for 2012.
It’s also an important move in terms of freeing up money. That $6.5 million (what Byrd is owed in 2012) might be really important in the Cubs’ offseason.
Again, nothing against Marlon.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
It's not that much money.
Byrd has leadership qualities that the Cubs like. If next year’s team is a young team, having a guy like that on the team is important.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
Tell that to Gorzo.
He got dealt (in large part) because he was due to earn a third of what Marlon will make next year. Note that I’m not saying Gorzo’s presence would have made all the difference.
The Cubs have some significant money coming off the books after 2011. But it’s not a boatload of cash because of Dempster and Z (both due for small raises) and some raises that are known or expected for the younger guys.
In theorty, the $6.5 million might be important to ensure that the Cubs can’t, say, sign Fielder and do nothing else. But I’m not saying Byrd is a drag on the team, or anything.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Raises...
$12m combined minimum due to Soto and Garza (if they don’t work out multi-year contracts with them to spread the money out). Most aren’t factoring those kind of raises in when they look at next year’s forecast.
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 24, 2011 6:56 PM CDT up reply actions
Marmol's set for a big raise, too.
One that’s already been negotiated. Getting Marmol back on track might be one of the bigger projects of the next two months.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
All of the above is correct...
this $50m windfall people are counting on to save next season does not exist.
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 24, 2011 7:00 PM CDT up reply actions
Well, you figure there's the money from Kosuke, Silva, Grabow and Shark.
That’s about $29 million. But then there’s:
- the $5 million due Pena and the possibility he’ll return the possibility that Aramis will return
-
- big raises for Garza and Marmol smaller raises for Soto, Z, Dempster, Marshall and some of the younger guys
-
There’s some money, but it’s not THAT much money. Things look much better after 2012.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Soto isn't a small raise...
He’s going to go from $3m to about $10m, maybe a little less because he wasn’t as good this year. Same with Garza. They’re both still worth that amount, but it’s not like they’re adding any extra value for that increase.
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 24, 2011 7:05 PM CDT up reply actions
You think Soto will get that big of a raise?
He’ll have to have a helluva second half. He’s heating up now, but he was pretty brutal before the ASB.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
It won't matter...
he’ll get the standard raise of an arbitration eligible player at his position with his service time and stats. The only way they can not pay him $9+m next year is if they work out a deal that buys out his last couple of arbitration years which mitigates the risk on both sides. If they try to go to arbitration with a young catcher that has produced at an ROY and All-Star level and low-ball him, they’ll have a hard time not giving him that much anyway.
You don’t just get $1-2m through arbitration when you’ve produced like Garza and Soto have at this point in their career.
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 24, 2011 7:12 PM CDT up reply actions
I'll bet you $10 that Soto doesn't get more than $6M. He doesn't have the track record to
go into an Arb hearing asking for $10M and the Cubs could go to town on Soto’s injury history and every other year awesomeness.
You're on...
yawn. Easiest $10 ever.
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 24, 2011 7:54 PM CDT up reply actions
Worst bet ever???? Likely.
You realize the RECORD for 2nd year arb catchers is 5.05 million. You really think that Soto is going to eclipse that number by 20% after the year he’s having? And to claim TEN MILLION?
You need to look up some facts before you spout that kind of stuff off, you’re way off base.
see Koyie Hill this past offeseason...
you’re about to be out $10.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 24, 2011 8:14 PM CDT up reply actions
lay off koyie, man
he’s a nice guy
Blake "The Franchise" DeWitt will lead us to the promised land
by jesus christos on Jul 24, 2011 8:24 PM CDT up reply actions
Nope, I'd bet 10 times that amount that Soto doesn't touch 6M
Russell Martin went from 3.9M in 1st year arb (3.0M for Soto) to 5.05M in his 2nd year arb, which was a RECORD for most money for a catcher in his 2nd arb.
Martin’s 2009 line that lead to the 5.05M arb hearing was:
.250/.352/.329
Sotos numbers this year are:
.245/.329/.416
Those numbers are not going to surpass Martin for record by over 1M.
There is no way Soto will go from $3M to $10M, especially after the terrible season he is having
At most, he’ll go up to $6M.
He's not having a terrible season for a catcher.
He’s not much worse than he was last year. You can think so all you want, but the facts say otherwise.
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 24, 2011 7:50 PM CDT up reply actions
He's not must worse than last year?
.745 ops vs .890 ops.
He’s in the middle of Catchers.
He's nowhere near the middle...
offense is down everywhere if you haven’t noticed. There are 6 full time catchers in all of baseball this year that have posted a higher wOBA than he has. That’s all, and that’s stretching it to include a couple.
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 24, 2011 8:49 PM CDT up reply actions
Of course not...
how many members of the Cubs organization you think even know wOBA exist? His agents will sure as hell use it and many other ways that show how Soto, in a down year as you put it, is still a really valuable young catcher, where there are very few that can match his track record. When you go to arbitration with these guys, they get paid… big. That’s why third-year arbitration eligible guys don’t usually go to arbitration.
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 24, 2011 9:09 PM CDT up reply actions
also i didnt see that Soto had enough PA's
when i put in 250 PA’s Soto is 9th in WOBA.
Also Soto’s lack of base running skills and Health could lower his value.
I am expecting a salary number closer to Molina than Mccann.
It's only ninth...
if you count guys like Santana and Martinez, who have spent significant time at other positions, if they’ve spent any time at catcher at all… and that’s out of 30 teams full of catchers. His health isn’t a factor. He’s still played a lot more games at catcher than most team’s #1 even through the injuries. They can’t not pay him because they don’t expect him to be healthy.
And if you go to an arbitrator with the every other year hocus pocus… do you know what they’ll say? Well… it’s one of them years… pay him like it!
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 24, 2011 9:31 PM CDT up reply actions
If I were the Cubs i would sell it like this
1.Soto has not be able to finish more than 105 games since 2008.
2.The teams record has declined since his best year in 2008 (even though it’s not his fault).
3.His WAR since 2008 are inline with players like Molina and Kurt Suzuki who will around 6-7 the final years of their contracts.
4. Past habits with marijuana do not make a clubhouse leader. (not really an issue but i read that leadership can influence pay)
5. Then use all the old stats. OPS, bad numbers w/risp, and . ( I feel like the arbitrators would favor old stats)
6. lower salary because of economy and attendance drop?
I believe the cubs will lock him up but i think he will get 6-7 million.
The reason Molina doesn't cost more...
is because the Cardinals locked him up to a friendly contract. The Cubs didn’t do that with Soto (at least not yet). Molina will get paid $7m next year. Unless they lock up Soto long term, he’ll get more.
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 24, 2011 9:39 PM CDT up reply actions
Soto is a SECOND year arb player, they don't get payed big...
The most a 2nd year arb player has EVER gotten is Miguel Cabrera at 11.3 million.
You honestly think Soto is close to that level? No one will see that.
That makes more sense to me
He has been above average and i think he is slightly better than yadier molina who makes 5 million.
Soto is not a #3 or 4 hitter, injury prone and inconsistent to be near the same level and McCann, Mauer, Posey, or Martinez.
I wonder what they'll do with Samardzija.
The team has already invested a lot of time and money into him. And today’s poor outing aside, he’s shown signs of being a useful reliever.
Baseball is pitching, hitting, baserunning and defense.
by daver on Jul 24, 2011 7:10 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I was just thinking about that today
You’ve brought him along to this point, and it appears he actually might have turned into a useful tool. What do you do with him?
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 24, 2011 7:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Is he a free agent after this year?
It doesn’t seem like he has enough service time, is there some type of clause in his contract?
Yes...
he’s completely a free agent, unless he agrees to arbitration with the Cubs (god help us if they do that). It’s why he signed a major-league contract right from the start.
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 24, 2011 7:16 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't think he is a FA
I might be wrong about this, but my understanding was that the Major League contract put him on the 40 man roster. That move certainly helps grease the skids to get a guy to the big leagues. But, I that, I believe, is different than his major league service clock.
Eamus Ursuli!
He's a free agent at the end of the year.
Only way he doesn’t is if the Cubs offer him arbitration and he accepts. If they do that, I’m definitely picking a new team.
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 24, 2011 8:52 PM CDT up reply actions
Shark is NOT a FA at the end of the year.
Per Cot’s:
Jeff Samardzija rhp
5 years/$10M (2007-11), plus 2012 & 2013 club options
5 years/$10M (2007-11), plus 2012 & 2013 club options
signed Major League contract with Cubs 1/07, giving up football
$2M signing bonus
10:$3M
no-trade clause
total value may reach $16.5M with exercise of options
must return bonus & much of remaining $10M if he returns to football
drafted 2006 (5-149) (Notre Dame)
signed 6/06, $1M signing bonus (may increase to $7.25M if Samardzija chooses to play baseball over football)
agent: Mark Rodgers
ML service: 1.028
According to Cot’s future salary obligations page, Shark made 3.3M this year. You’d assume his ’12 option year would be around 3.5M.
"Stuff like this is why they should shut off the internet."
by Orval Overall on Dec 17, 2010 1:19 PM CST
$3.5 million a lot to pay for a VERY uncertain commodity
That’s upper-tier money for a middle reliever. I’m not sure if the Cubs would be all that excited about committing that kind of money to Samardzija given that he’s shown only flashes of his potential to this point.
He's a free agent ...
if the Cubs don’t think he’s worth $3.5 million, which I think is fairly certain.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Well sure.
But James was talking about arbitration.
"Stuff like this is why they should shut off the internet."
by Orval Overall on Dec 17, 2010 1:19 PM CST
The main point of that being...
that none of these players can be expected to really improve over their performance this year, but they’ll get much, much more expensive.
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 24, 2011 7:01 PM CDT up reply actions
I'd suggest Soto could be better and hopefully Marmol.
But I know what you’re saying more generally.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I only say it like that...
because I already think Soto and Marmol provide pretty good value for the money, but time’s a wastin’ on that too.
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 24, 2011 7:06 PM CDT up reply actions
So you're saying Byrd wasn't...
…one of the names in the trade rumors you heard today?
Baseball is pitching, hitting, baserunning and defense.
by daver on Jul 24, 2011 6:59 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
For the price he has been worth the contract
I don’t think Colvin or a free agent at 6.5 million won’t be better. Also I am not sure Brett Jackson will be as good as Byrd for another year or 2
I remember reading an article on cubs.com
about how Marlon was mentoring Barney quite a bit, that seems to have worked out pretty well.
We'll all miss you Ron.
i agree
his hustle shows the kids the right way to play the game. being able to take 3 easily in the pence misplay today and legging out the infield hit yesterday which he got to second on the error. shows the imortance of hustling and heads up baserunning
by NorCalCubsFan on Jul 24, 2011 8:34 PM CDT up reply actions
Not at all
But you’re right, salary relief is a major thing to consider.
I like Byrd, but I do think he’s expendible.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 24, 2011 6:48 PM CDT up reply actions
Depends on where they think Jackson is.
Byrd’s best attribute is he’s a good CFer who ALSO can hit a little. He’s pretty worthless as a corner outfielder.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Right
If they think Jackson can handle CF at this point, Byrd can go.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 24, 2011 6:53 PM CDT up reply actions
Agreed...
Byrd is a decent player (solid defensively, average offensively) who can play CF. If he moves to the corners, his value drops tremendously. He’s too pricey to be a 4th OF (unless you’re the Yankees or Red Sox).
If Jackson isn’t ready (and his start to AAA leaves some question about his readiness), Byrd is fine as a placeholder. As soon as the team thinks Jackson is ready, Byrd becomes expendable.
Yes.
You have to open up centerfield for Jackson, and Byrd’s bat just doesn’t play well in RF. I know there isn’t much on the FA market either, but the salary relief would also be very benficial, 6.5 million could be the difference in making a certain move in the offseason. Not to mention Byrd might be able to fetch something semi-useful.
Thing is, you don't have to open it up to Jackson.
If he’s not ready, then keeping Byrd makes some sense. And Jackson isn’t exactly tearing it up in AAA.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I was sitting next to a very nice family from Houston
When Campana was intentionally walked , I told them their manager was an idiot. They nodded,
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
We have found a team worse than the Cubs...The Astros really suck!!!!!!!
For the first time this season I can say about another team……
From top to bottom the Cubs are the better organization…..
THIS GUY! ^-^
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
"My favorite food is Macaroni and Cheese, from the blue box." Geovany Soto
Get off of your Kool-aid swilling high horse
"Wait, are you saying I'm a sunshine-pumping, koolaid-drinking, Soriano-loving, rainbow-rising, unicorn-riding, double-clutching, Sweet Lou-backing, Hendry-supporting, hey hey whaddya saying, Cubs are going all the waying, glass is overflowing, Rothschild is all-knowing, Cubs fan? - ballhawk
cool
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
"My favorite food is Macaroni and Cheese, from the blue box." Geovany Soto
Sadly, this may be the high point of our season.
Unless maybe the Cubs can knock the Cards out of a playoff spot or something.
Baseball is pitching, hitting, baserunning and defense.
by daver on Jul 24, 2011 7:07 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
One 'significant' move.
I didn’t know we had specs for a significant move.
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
I've been a Fukudome basher for a couple years
But he has had a good season and I give him credit for working on some things to keep his production up unlike other years. That said, if we can get value for him I’m for it.
For today’s game, great to finally get 3w in a row, a shame that so many of garza’s potential wins have been blow. My one bone to pick is that while I’m all for bunting people over, to me the odds of laying down a bunt good enough to allow a slow runner like Soto to get to third seems not worth the strategy. Soto got a good jump, and he was dead by a mile. Just not a fan of that bunt given who the baserunner was.
Missed the game today. There's this.
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
State high point count: 4/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 24, 2011 7:14 PM CDT reply actions
I think this lil winning streak deserves a big ol'
IT’S HAPPENING!?!?!?!!?!?!?!!?!?!?!?!!?!?!?!!?!?
17'$ h4pp3n1n9!?!?!?
Oh, it happened.
And it was fabulous.
Baseball is pitching, hitting, baserunning and defense.
by daver on Jul 24, 2011 7:28 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Throwing footballs
For the record, a lot of pitchers do more than “just fool around” by throwing footballs. That throwing motion is similar to that of throwing a slider and pitchers that throw sliders…like Dempster and Marshall…throw footballs to reasonably replicate those mechanics without actually throwing sliders.
"When the day comes with that last winning run and I'm crying and covered in beer. I'll look to the sky and know I was right to think someday we'll go all the way." - Vedder
It also makes sense that Marshall threw good spirals
I believe i have heard that throwing a football helps you with your curveball
Three is great but four is better. ;-)
Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning the devil says, "OH CRAP, SHE'S UP"!
Let's get #4 Tuesday evening. :-)
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
State high point count: 4/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 24, 2011 8:40 PM CDT up reply actions
It's a nice stadium.
I’ve been there before. There will be lots of Cubs fans there, as always.
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
State high point count: 4/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 24, 2011 8:51 PM CDT up reply actions
It is a nice venue.
Hope you see a Cubs win.
Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning the devil says, "OH CRAP, SHE'S UP"!
Hate to admit it
But the White Sox may have done us a favor by beating up on the Indians and showing them that they need to take Fukudome off our hands to help them with the stretch run.
Amazing that we won this game, after our manager screwed up the bottom of the 8th as usual.
Soto, the slowest player on the team, is the potential winning run… standing on 2nd. And instead of pinch running Campana, he tries to sacrifice Soto over to 3rd? Where he gets easily thrown out (not the first time this has happened this season BTW). THEN, he finally inserts Campana to pinch run at 2nd base for Soriano AFTER the force out. What a friggin moron.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
Honest question-ish
I thought Soriano was the slower than Soto? I can’t imagine anyone being slower than a guy with bad knees
Doesn't really matter... they're both slow as molasses.
But Soto was the potential lead/winning run standing at second with zero out. Put Campana there, and they don’t even attempt to throw him out on a sacrifice. Or you skip the sacrifice altogether, and have him attempt a steal.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
Quade was trying to save his bench.
Johnson (IIRC) was unavailable.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Right.
We did not know this at the time, but apparently, several Cubs were not available yesterday. Or, at least, that’s what Quade said in his postgame remarks.
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To reinforce the point, Soto was even forced on the bases earlier in the game.
But Q basically refuses to sub out his starting catcher. He appears convinced that the back-up catcher is not allowed to play, for fear of being injured and leaving the team with no catcher.
"Stuff like this is why they should shut off the internet."
by Orval Overall on Dec 17, 2010 1:19 PM CST
Though, apparently to be fair...
Van Dyck reports that Koyie wasn’t available today due to the flu. So that would mean you couldn’t PR for Soto.
"Stuff like this is why they should shut off the internet."
by Orval Overall on Dec 17, 2010 1:19 PM CST
I was wondering why Koyie didn't come in during the eighth.
Now I know.
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
State high point count: 4/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 24, 2011 10:17 PM CDT up reply actions
Well, if that was the case... then he didn't have the option.
But he’s still a putz for trying to sacrifice Soto over to 3rd yet again this season. Soto already got thrown out at 3rd on a sacrifice attempt in the 4th inning of this game. And, Soto also got thrown out at 3rd on a sacrifice attempt in the late innings before the all-star break in a game I got pretty pissed about, when Quade did nearly the same thing, and had Brenly in dis-belief on the broadcast. This guy has no business managing a team.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
What?
It was not a good bunt by Barney, number 1, if it’s a decent bunt it works. And what are you talking about Brenly in dis-belief? L&B mentioned as Barney was walking to the plate that it was an obvious bunting scenario.
We'll all miss you Ron.
Ah, just saw the "dis-belief" was on another date
But the point still holds.
We'll all miss you Ron.
Yep... it was a different game.
L&B were anticipating Campana coming in to pinch run for Soto at 2nd… as the potential winning run. It didn’t happen… Bob couldn’t hide his disgust. Soto then got thrown out at 3rd on a sacrifice attempt. Then, Quade put Campana in as a pinch hitter for the next at-bat. Totally mind boggling.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
No back up catcher = your catcher has to run.
Not mind boggling.
This has been a miserable season for the Cubs.
But at least we’re not the Astros.
"Stuff like this is why they should shut off the internet."
by Orval Overall on Dec 17, 2010 1:19 PM CST
This quote from Pence really can make you appreciate the job Fuke has done in right
It’s not the first time I’ve made a horrendous play in this outfield. No fly ball is easy here. It’s the toughest one I’ve ever played in.
We'll all miss you Ron.
I'm not sure many of us have taken what Fukudome has done on defense for granted...
the knock on him has been his poor ability to hit good pitching. He gets on base well, plays defense well…and gets paid like he also hits well….but he doesn’t.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 24, 2011 11:25 PM CDT up reply actions
The one thing he is almost universally praised for his defense.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I was wonderin...and not that I'm concerned, but...is Wood hurt AGAIN?
Quade brought in Shark, who then coughed up a C. Lee bomb, and then went to RoLo to close out the 8th. Wood never pitched the entire series-which probably explains the sweep, but, anyone heard if he’s hurt?
With the 1st pick in the 2012 Baseball Amateur Draft, the Chicago Cubs select...
Hendry is protecting his trade value.
/s
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 24, 2011 11:25 PM CDT up reply actions
Good...Git-R-Dun, Jimbo
With the 1st pick in the 2012 Baseball Amateur Draft, the Chicago Cubs select...
His arm was "cranky."
After the game, he said he had thrown in the bullpen a lot in the past few days, even though he hadn’t thrown in the game.
I know you and I disagree completely on Wood, Ed. He hasn’t been nearly as good as I had hoped, and he has been hurt/unavailable more than I expected.
Still … I don’t think that you’d argue that he was worth the $1.5 million. This is assuming that your theory that he’ll get a big payday after the season is baseless (which I think it is).
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
One of these nights, el...
…I’m gonna sit down and type a fan post explaining my dislike for one Kerry Wood. It may come off as petty to some, but, …well, you’ll understand when I type it.
With the 1st pick in the 2012 Baseball Amateur Draft, the Chicago Cubs select...
I think I get what it is.
Wood, in your eyes, was signed for nostalgia. And the Cubs don’t have much to be nostalgic about. That still doesn’t make me think he hasn’t been worth a relatively paltry $1.5 million this year.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Nope...them signing him WAS nostalgic, but, nowhere close to why seeing him pitch...
…gives me gas.
With the 1st pick in the 2012 Baseball Amateur Draft, the Chicago Cubs select...
What happens when...
Jimbo trades Fukudome, Pena and Soto this week?
Think about it… These are the three most likely trade candidates, not counting Grabow, because he doesn’t count. These are the only guys on the team who know how to take a pitch! Our lineup will be a smart pitcher’s dream!
Hack Wilson IX
by KO Stradivarius on Jul 25, 2011 12:54 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
All fuko does is take pitches
I would rather someone brought up that actually attempts to drive the ball occasionally (Colvin, BJack).
Drew
I wish we had somebody halfway between Colvin and Kosuke.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
That's kinda what leadoff hitters are supposed to do.
Baseball is pitching, hitting, baserunning and defense.
I I I am am am very very very pleased pleased pleased !!!
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Great game to be at
I went to Sunday’s game and had 3 good experiences:
1. Met one of the Cubs Fan experience interns. She was a U of I college student and did a great job of walking me quickly through the survey before I went into the game. Bright, positive, young woman who was enjoying her summer job in baseball.
2. Took in the game with a longtime friend. It was great to catch up with him and even get in some free winning baseball.
3. Went to Ian’s for a slice of pizza after the game and met a family on a baseball roadtrip. It’s communal dining, so you might met somebody after you sit down. Dad drove from LA to New York City – the wife and kids flew to NYC. In the midwest they were going to Wrigley, the Cell, Milwaukee, and St Louis. And then they were driving back to LA. They just seemed to be having so much fun together.
"On offense, your most precious possessions are your 27 outs" - Earl Weaver
It's always fun to meet...
… people from out of town at Wrigley, whether they are fans of the opposing team, or just in town for a tourist visit.
Say, next time you are in the bleachers, stop by and say hi.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
I had to kick tourists out of my seats yesterday.
They knew they were in the wrong seats too, and didn’t care. They thought they were entitled to sit wherever they wanted just because they bought a ticket. I guess they forgot they weren’t in the Bleachers.
Best part was how they had a look on their faces like I just shit in the punchbowl at their family reunion by showing up. F’n people…
"They sell every ticket to every game, win or lose!" - Tom Ricketts
Funny.
Ushers are quick to kick people out of nearly empty sections when someone just wants to talk to a friend who’s in the box seats.
But when someone is actually in the wrong seats? Nowhere to be seen.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
Bittersweet
I always love when the cubs win….however, I feel like it’s bad everytime they do. I had more respect for Ricketts, but now I feel like the cubs need to be as awful as possible for him to shake things up. He can’t honestly be that blind to what goes on.
Hendry is responseable for a minor league system bereft of any starting pitching. Hendry is responsable for: Quade, bad pitching coach and even Ivan Dejesus! It’s so hard to enjoy a victory when you know that unless they hit rock bottom, the cubs will be below average to average at best for a decade. Please cubs, become likeable and watchable…and COMPETITVE
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